By Ayodele Oni
Ondo State Governor, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu, who arrived the State capital on Sunday from overseas trip, after widespread rumour of his death, has approved the move by his wife to contest a senatorial seat in Imo state.
Governor Akeredolu’s approval was contained in a wedding anniversary message sent to his wife, Betty on Easter Monday.
Akeredolu’s message reads
“Betty, FLOOS, let me choose this great day in our lives, our 41st wedding Anniversary, to notch up in print my support for your popular and known quest to serve your people in the Senate.
“The evolution of modern societies bears indelible evidence of significant inputs of few people. This trajectory records definitive impacts of those who dare to think and act differently.
“The consequence of this defiance finds expression in radical departure from the old order, leading to transformation.
“It yields quality accretions which impact positively on the people in any given space.
“The world owes those who dare a debt of gratitude for audacity, tenacity, consistency and focus.
“These torch bearers withstand the brunt of vilification, contempt, deprivation and even rejection. They remain undaunted until the set goal is achieved.
“They are rarely praised afterwards.
Public service is taken as the highest form of participation in the affairs of a human community, state or a country.
“It ennobles anyone, privileged to serve, whose tenacity, focus and integrity ensure development. Only a few are truly equipped for service. They must be encouraged at all times.
“Anytime, anywhere and under whatever circumstances, those who hold views which threaten to shatter age-long widely held beliefs and/or practices are a special breed.
“Those whose activities have borne positive impact on the lives of the under-privileged, must be supported by all good people.
“I join all other well-wishers, admirers, supporters and stakeholders to support, openly and without any reservations or equivocation, my Adorable Betty in her bid to continue to serve the people in her State of birth, Imo.
“I do this, most enthusiastically, as a partner, admirer and active follower for over four decades. I consider myself highly privileged to have a workaholic, gender and human rights activist, humanist and philanthropist as wife, adviser, harshest critic, supporter, political associate and, above all, an unrelenting ideologue, ready to sacrifice and confront any obstacle, natural and artificial.
“I am of the firm belief that any group, society, community, state or country, privileged to avail itself of the quintessential service of a bold crusader, as she, is lucky indeed.
“Seeking to continue what she started long before I came into politics, when she ran for the House of Representative, at the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly, is not strange to me or anyone who has been watching the activities of this special personality.
“I SUPPORT HER ASPIRATION NOW, AS I HAVE ALWAYS DONE, EVEN BEFORE I JOINED POLITICS. I know her to be a passionate believer in rectitude.
“I believe in her mission to emancipate women from the shackles of all forms of oppression. I have known her as a fiercely independent personality who is never afraid to voice her dissent on any issue.
“I have witnessed her triumphs over adversities at close quarters. She made me appreciate more the nuanced difference between foolhardiness and courage.
“Many have come to accept her as a rock of refuge for the oppressed and hopeless. She has been a strong advocate for equity and justice and against unprofitable superstitions, beliefs and habits which predispose people to diseases and avoidable deaths.
“I am proud of this gift from Imo State. I support her aspiration wholeheartedly. I am convinced that the people of Imo State will enjoy quality representation from her.
“Her presence in the Senate promises exciting moments.
I harbour no anxiety that my Adorable Betty, ADA OWERE, has all it takes to BEMORE.
“While offering her my unalloyed support, I wish her all the best in this current quest to extend and particularise the scope of service in the interest of the people.
“May the will of the Almighty be manifested and fulfilled in this endeavour, and many more, designed to uplift the downtrodden.
May fair winds aid this sail!”
